Greater Sandplover
Charadrius leschenaultii
Photo:
Birdline North West, U.K. (Permission Pending)
Photo By: Polish
Zoological Society
Photo By: Walney, P. Wheeler,
7/88
The above pictures are not of "the"
Greater Sandplover. For pictures of the actual individual
bird and additional information, check out Joe
Morlan's site.
Madrone Audubon's Betty
Burridge provides
the following information on this very rare bird.
An extraordinary bird, probably a Greater
Sand Plover,
(Charadrius leschenaultii), also called Large Sand
Dotterel, has been present on the mudflats of Bolinas
Lagoon in Marin County since at least Jan 29, 2001.
Discoverd by biologists from Point Reyes Bird
Observatory, it has been identified very cautiously
and tentatively because of its very close relationship
to another bird, Lesser Sand Plover, Charadrius
mongolus, (Mongolian Plover/Dotterel) which would be
even less likely to be here at this time of year. DNA
studies are being made on some molted feathers, and a
recording of its alarm call has been taped for
analysis in an effort to provide scientific evidence
of the identification.
And how rare is the Greater Sand Plover in
late winter
at Bolinas Lagoon? Actually, this would be the first
of this species to have ever been found in the entire
Western Hemisphere. No wonder birders are flying in
from all over the United States just to see this one
bird.
At 8-9" this bird is larger than a Snowy
Plover (which
it most closely resembles) and smaller than a
Black-bellied Plover. It's underparts are very light,
as are its underwings when seen in flight. Because it
does not associate closely with any of the other shore
birds on the mud flats, its size is difficult to
judge.
This bird can be seen most consistently at
lower water
levels, so avoid high tides iff you want to try to see
this bird. It has been seen most days since its
discovery.
DIRECTIONS:
Drive south on Hwy 1 toward Stinson Beach
until you are just past Bolinas Lagoon. Just before
entering the town of SB turn right on Calle de Arroyo
and procede about 1/2 mile to the contact station for
'Seadrift', a private housing development. Ask for
permission to see "the bird". If there are not too
many cars already there you will be able to drive in
to the right about 1/2 mile and park along the side of
the road. The bird is usually being seen in front of
the address 161. Because this is private property
birders are requested to be very considerate of the
residents and only to be there from 10 to 4. Good
Luck!
Additional information
S.F. Chronicle article, Feb. 24, 2001
Press-Democrat article, March 3, 2001
Last revised: 3-8-01 |
